Slowing down the aging process and living better longer, have been a longtime pursuit for many, me included. How can we add years to our life and life to our years? How can we not just become healthier but happier too? These age old questions catapulted Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon to spend his life searching for the fountain of youth. (By the way, he ended up in Florida in 1513.) We've learned a lot since then and interestingly it turns out that lifestyle is perhaps the best fountain of youth.

Spring has finally arrived here and it feels so good! It's so darn easy for all of us to get caught up in busy mode and practically miss the simple everyday pleasures around us. Springtime is a full body pleasure turn-on, if we allow ourselves. It's such an amazing, rich, sensory experience. Do yourself a favor. Indulge all your senses. Energize yourself with the healing power of nature.

There is a beautiful French proverb that states, "Gratitude is the memory of the heart." It is the way the heart remembers. But how do we remember, to remember in our crazy busy fast paced lives? It has to be something more than a theme that shows up on Thanksgiving day.

Several years ago, Roger and I traveled to Bali, Indonesia where we were mesmerized with the beautiful people and culture and their overwhelming sense of appreciation, hospitality, simplicity and fulfillment. It awakened in us a desire to be more grateful. Simplify and enjoy life's little pleasures. Honor and appreciate, simple abundance. It's been an ongoing practice since.